Jan 14 2025 29 mins
Have a business idea? Not sure how to get it off the ground?
In this episode, Emma and Kate speak with Ashley and Robert Roulston, co-founders of Industrial Plankton, a company that makes equipment to grow live algae cultures that are used to stabilize the aquaculture food chain. Fourteen years into their business, they share tips on:
- How to form a partnership that combines different degrees and skill sets
- What it’s like to build a business from scratch
- Why they hire UVic co-op students
…and much more!
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- (00:00) - Intro music
- (00:32) - Welcome and introductions
- (02:45) - The algae of it all: how is algae used in aquaculture and biotechnology?
- (04:20) - What technology does Industrial Plankton make and how does this help the world?
- (05:08) - How did Ashley and Robert come up with the idea for their business, Industrial Plankton?
- (06:35) - How to set yourself up for success when partnering in your own business
- (07:57) - How to start an entrepreneurial business as a student
- (11:05) - How have things changed 14 years into your business? What have you learned?
- (12:32) - What skills do you look for in an employee?
- (13:53) - Ashley and Robert share what they learned through the co-op program
- (15:42) - What do co-op students do at Industrial Plankton?
- (17:24) - What does a day-in-the-life look like as business owners?
- (20:12) - What are some of the most exciting problems that Industrial Plankton helps solve?
- (21:41) - How Industrial Plankton is tackling climate change and ecological restoration
- (23:46) - Rapid fire questions with Ashley and Robert about their time at UVic
- (29:10) - Episode credits